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Upson and The Rock Ranch Team To Promote Healthy Hearts

Upson Regional Medical Center and the Rock Ranch are teaming up to promote healthy hearts.

The free event for women, “Keys to the Heart,” will be held Saturday, Feb. 15 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Rock Ranch. Space is limited, and reservations are required. Please call (706) 647-8111 ext. 1338 to reserve your space today.

Many women with families figure that because they are young and in general feel fine, nothing is wrong. But as it turns out, lifestyle matters, and unfortunately it can take suffering a heart attack to find out.
Family history, eating habits and sleep patterns are just a few of the factors that raise risk for heart disease. But the good news is, 80 percent of heart attacks and strokes can be treated, prevented and even ended, if women learn about what puts them at risk and take action toward fighting it.

Upson’s Cardiology Leader Sue Mangum said, “This event is about showing women and moms what those risk factors are and how making simple changes can put an end to heart disease, the No. 1 killer.”

Angela Ballard with Heart of Georgia Cardiology will help women understand their risk as well as their family’s risk for heart disease.

The Wellness Center’s Michele Barber will offer tips on keeping your family active, and Anita Whitmore and Tine Zellner with Upson will talk about the role of stress in heart disease and ways to reduce stress in your daily life.

In the capstone the Rock Ranch’s Director of Culinary Adventures, Krista Fonseka along with Upson’s Dieticians Dawn McCoy and Joy Daniel will show you how to cook delicious, heart-healthy meals for your entire family.

Today, about one of three American kids and teens are overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate in 1963. And naturally, this is speeding up health problems that previously weren’t seen until adulthood – like heart disease.

It can be difficult to instill heart healthy habits in your young ones – especially when it comes to nutrition. This is a battle survivors like Migdalia Rivera know all too well. When she learned that heart disease was in her family, she began to make changes to her household’s eating habits and was met with resistance. “I told my son, ‘I don’t want you to have a heart attack,’” recalls Migdalia. “I don’t want you to die before I die.” Getting an immediate change of heart is easier said than done. But ultimately, both of Migdalia’s sons adapted to healthy changes.

“Women are born into unique leadership roles” said Mangum. “The strength of mothers, sisters, daughters and friends, is more powerful than any killer. As women, we hold the keys to simple lifestyle changes for ourselves, our husbands and our children, that put an end to heart disease.”

For those who wish to stay for lunch, the Rock Ranch will offer a heart healthy one immediately following the event. On the menu are Super Sandwiches (Wheat Berry Bread, Oven Roasted Turkey, Avocado, Lettuce and Tomato); Farro Salad (Wheat Berries, The Rock Ranch Basil Vinaigrette, Cranberries and Feta Cheese); Fresh Fruit; and Bottled Water. While the event is free, the cost for lunch is $11. Please indicate if you would like to purchase lunch when you make your reservation.